Function of the polymorphonuclear leukocytes in patients with brucellosis

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to examine the respiratory burst and phagocytosis of Polymorphonuclear leukocytes [PMNs] function in patients with brucellosis. The PMNs respiratory burst was studied by stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate [PMA] and the chemiluminescence [CL] peak response was measured. Phagocytic activity of PMNs was evaluated by opsonized yeast uptake. Results showed that CL peak response of PMNs was significantly enhanced in patients with non-complicated, and complicated brucellosis, and following treatment for brucellosis. In contrast, the phagocytic activity of PMN [phagocytosis] was markedly inhibited in all groups of patients with brucellosis. The results indicated that infection with Brucella causes alteration of the physiological function of PMNs